Warhawk's Sacrifice - Ch. 22 - The Calist Conundrum - Alpha (Patreon)

“What in the Maker is a Calist fleet doing outside of the station?” Seb shouted.

“I’m uncertain, captain,” Syn said.

“Is the station’s stealth systems up?”

“They are.”

“Then how did they even find us?”

“During the time of the reboot, our stealth systems were offline. However, my assumption is that they were in the system and detected the communication blast that we sent out to identify the location of the nakai vaults. If they tracked us from that blast, they would be able to pinpoint our location. I haven’t moved the station from its original position.”

“How could they track that signal? I thought it was sent using the nakai protocol?”

“I have minimal information on Calist technology. Since their arrival through the warp gates over the last few years, they’ve been rather reclusive. Especially allowing anyone aboard their ships. Perhaps they have technology that can detect it.”

“If the ones we fought on Gradahar are any indication, I can see why they keep to themselves,” Sister Mischa said.

“I thought those ones were considered abnormal,” Nalla said.

Mischa shrugged. “I honestly haven’t seen but a few here or there. The ones I’ve seen in public have seemed fine, but I haven’t interacted with any.”

Eni clapped her hands. “Come on, let's focus. We have several ships hanging out outside of the station. What are we going to do?”

“We should let them make the first move,” Roja said. “We do not yet know if they are a threat.”

“I agree,” Mischa said.

“Are we even sure they’re here for the station?” Seb asked.

“Captain, they’re broadcasting a general hail,” Syn said.

“So, they may not know exactly where we are, but know we were in this general area…” Seb ran his hands down the front of his helmet. “Fuck… okay, how are they hailing the station? Are they broadcasting it over the standard galactic spec?”

“No, they are communicating using a nakai protocol. However, it’s different from what I would expect to receive.”

“Different how?”

“Like someone speaking a language with an accent. It’s understandable, but some of the syntax is different from my understanding of the nakai language.”

“How is that possible?” Iris asked. “Do these… Calist have history with my people?”

“I don’t see how that’s possible,” Seb said, shaking his head. “Someone jump in and correct me if I’m wrong, but my understanding is that the Calist only recently started showing up in our galaxy after the GRC completed the warp gates. No one knows where they came from or how they got here. Apparently they don’t either, since they claim to have amnesia after their travels.”

Iris twisted her lips as she glanced up at the hologram above her. After a few seconds, she looked down, took a step forward, and clenched her jaw. “We have to let them in.”

Everyone glanced at Seb before he asked, “Why?”

“Yeah, Iris, we don’t know these guys,” Eni added.

“I wish to speak with them,” Iris said, her voice building with excitement. “Their story is similar to that of my people. They also speak my language. Perhaps they’ve come into contact with groups of my people. Maybe there are some of those that survived the journey, but took another path?”

“There are more nakai?” Roja asked. “I thought there was only you.”

Iris lowered her head before nodding. “That seems to be true in this galaxy. My historical knowledge tells me that when we ran from our creations, we all made similar jumps using our untested warp engines. Most of my kind made it here. However, not all. It was assumed those that didn’t make it were lost. But perhaps they ventured to a different dimension or galaxy.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, Iris,” Eni began. “But this is a lot of what-ifs and perhaps. We haven’t had the greatest track record with Calist—” Eni raised her hands. “—not saying they are all the same. But they’ve got three warships outside, and we’ve got a luxury cruiser. If things turn hostile, we could be in a bad way. Isn’t that right, Syn?”

“The station is not equipped to defend against an assault from those ships,” the virtual intelligence said.

Iris threw her hands to the side and begged. “Please! I need to know!”

All heads turned to look at Seb. The captain let out a sigh and tapped his foot. The situation is shit, he thought. This was supposed to be a covert mission. Get in and get back home without anyone knowing. I understand why Iris feels the way she does. She’s clinging onto any hope she has that there are some of her people left. But I can’t risk everyone’s lives because her judgment is clouded.

“They’re broadcasting, so they might not know where we are exactly,” Seb said. “If we respond, they’ll know we’re here for sure.”

“If they can’t detect us, then they could run into us,” Vi said. “Which might be worse.”

“You’re not wrong… Fuck it. Let’s see what they want and then we can decide a plan forward.”

“Should I patch them through to you, captain?” Syn asked.

“Can you patch them through, but make it one way?” Seb asked. “I want to see their reaction, but I want you to be the relay between. That way, they think they’re talking with the station itself for now.”

“Affirmative, captain. I’ve created a direct link to the command center, but will act as the intermediary. Just let me know if there’s any way I should respond.”

“Thanks Syn.”

When the hologram updated, it displayed a lone figure. The wearer’s armor looked ancient, as if adapted from medieval techniques. Its metallic surface had no glimmer and looked worn from years of use. The helmet fully covered the person’s face, but had several vertical slits along the bridge, allowing for a blue glow to shine through. Seb perceived the underlayer as interwoven with the plates that protected the body, unlike the skinsleeve that allowed them to be swappable. A blue flame twisted above the helmet, a signature feature of all the calist he’d seen.

When the man spoke, he spoke with the authority of years of command. The light in his helmet flickered with each syllable of every word. “This is Lord High Admiral Mayvel of the Fluetra. We are a diplomatic envoy of the Calist Armada stationed in FLS territory. We detected an ancient signal from your station that has activated presumed to be defunct technology aboard our craft. We wish to speak with the station’s highest authority in hopes of fostering mutual relations and understanding.”

A moment passed before Syn asked, “Captain, would you like me to respond?”

“Hold on. Is he speaking telepathically?” Seb asked.

“He is speaking verbally, but the video transmission is being sent over the nakai protocol.”

Seb raised his finger before bringing it under the chin of his helmet. “Tell him that we deny his request. The size and threat of his arrival is not something that can be ignored.”

Once Syn relayed the message, the admiral turned to the side before another person stepped into view. Her armor matched the admiral’s, but was covered in a hooded shawl. The woman’s voice was elegant, but panicked. “Please! We come here in a manner of diplomacy and peace. We seek only answers. Our ships are our homes. It’s all we have. I-if it would behoove you, we’d be more than happy to send the fleet away and leave a shuttle to initiate discussions.”

“Albee—” the lord high admiral said before the woman held up her hand, silencing him.

“She seems to command more authority than the admiral,” Sister Mischa said.

“No kidding,” Eni said.

Seb glanced at his crew. “What do you all think?”

“If they’re willing to go that far, I don’t see the harm in hearing them out. Besides, we want them to get away from this station as soon as possible. The sooner they scatter, the better it is for us.”

“But how are we going to explain this situation? Once they board the station, they’ll know it’s deserted. They could think we’re pirates or scavengers.”

“I mean we kind of are the latter,” Eni snorted.

Seb tilted his head. “You know what I mean.”

“This is our station by divine right,” Iris said. “I am the Divine Equalizer and you are my Inhibitor. They cannot deny my ancestry.”

“But is it wise to have you present, Iris?” Sister Mischa asked. “Do they know of the nakai? Would they even recognize your authority?”

“Not only that, but to do so, we’d have to spill our reason for being here,” Eni said. “Are we all comfortable with that?”

“If we aren’t, then we shouldn’t consider inviting them in,” Seb said.

“If we do not, then I’m going out there,” Iris said, pointing her finger up. “I have questions of my own.”

Mischa shot Seb a glance, and he acknowledged it with a simple nod.

“It’s not wise for you to head out there on your own, Iris,” Seb said. “We know you want answers and they do, too. But we’re not supposed to be here. We need to be smart about this.”

“Then I’m asking you all, as a favor to me, please grant me this mercy and allow me time to speak with them.”

The group all gave sympathetic nods and murmurs of agreement before Seb leaned back. “Okay, Syn, we’ll agree to host a diplomat and a small security detail. However, the larger ships will need to relocate elsewhere in the system, preferably somewhere expected, like one of the nearby planets. Once they’ve jumped, we will welcome them inside. And let them know to wear their suits because of the environment in here.”

“Acknowledged, captain.”

“We agree,” Albee said, not waiting for the admiral’s rebuttal. “Please inform whoever we will be meeting with that I will be the representative for the Fleutra, so there are no concerns over who will be arriving. Thank you for accepting our request. I look forward to our meeting.”

When the video disappeared, Nalla asked, “So, should we head upstairs and wait?”

“I’ll take a small team up with me,” Seb said before pointing with his finger. “Mischa, Eni, and Roja, you’re with me.” Seb raised his voice and held up his hand as Iris tried to cut him off. “WE will check things out first for everyone’s safety. If the conversation stays cordial, then we’ll bring them here where they can meet with everyone.”

Iris crossed her arms and huffed. “Fine.”

As Seb backpedaled to the door, he shouted. “We’ll keep comms on.”

“Don’t get shot!” Eni waved in jest.

Once the trio gathered inside the elevator, Seb said into his comm. “Syn, once the ships are all gone, direct the shuttle here. If they deviate from the path once inside, let us know.”

“Acknowledged, captain.”

“If they do that, we’re going to have a bigger problem,” Sister Mischa said. “Not sure how we’d combat that. We don’t have a ship with weapon defenses.”

“Syn, does the station have interior weapons systems that could take down a shuttle?” Seb asked.

“I haven’t tested their effectiveness, but there are multiple heavy turrets across the main chasm.”

“There you go,” Seb said, tapping his helmet. “Problem solved.”

“What happens if things get out of hand?” Roja asked. “Do you want to specify rules of engagement?”

“I want this to be as calm and collected as possible. My plan is to keep the peace. But… I always go with my gut. If my gut tells me they’re lying or being deceitful, then all bets are off. If things get violent, then you’re free to defend yourself with maximum impunity. As far as positioning, Mischa and I can greet them, if you want to stay back in the shadows.” Seb nodded to the weapon on Roja’s back. “You can use that sniper of yours to give us some cover.”

Roja retrieved her weapon from her back and pulled the charging handle. “That works for me.”

Mischa’s head slowly turned. “If things get chaotic, I hope you keep that thing pointed at our enemy and not at my back.”

“I guess the last time I used this, you were on the other side of it,” Roja said in a prideful tone. She stepped forward and extended her clawed hand in front of the Sister. “I hope there are no hard feelings. I’m sure you understand it was just business.”

Mischa grabbed her arm and tugged her forward. “I’m choosing to understand, given the situation we’re in. Just don’t make me regret it, otherwise you may find yourself with a matching scar.”

Seb glanced at both women, worried he was going to have to break up another fight. He’d completely forgotten about Roja shooting Mischa back on Trikon Outpost. Not once had Mischa brought it up to him prior.

Maybe she kept it to herself as a matter of pride or professionalism? he wondered. When the pair eventually shook each other’s arms, Seb let out the breath he was holding.

“You don’t have to worry, chica,” Roja said. “Now that we’re all working together, I’ll keep that firm tush of yours protected.”

Mischa grunted in a manner that made Seb assume she was amused by the woman nearly half her size. Their cordial ceasefire was enough for him. When they reached the top floor, they walked to the exit of the pyramid and waited.

“I am opening the station’s front doors, captain,” Syn said. “You should see the shuttle approach shortly.”

After a few minutes passed, Seb raised his finger and pointed. “There they are.”

The ship’s design was unlike anything he had seen before. Its metal was black with orange lights down its length. The engines hung suspended along the side of the main body. Harsh angles and sharp geometric points shaped the craft. Thin triangular fins motioned for stability as it approached.

When the ship began its descent next to the Temptation, Roja hung back as expected while Mischa and Seb walked out into the opening. The radiation warning lit up on Seb’s HUD as he waited for the visitors.

The bottom ramp lowered from the undercarriage of the ship. Three calist descended the ramp. The one in the middle was clearly Albee, based on her hooded shawl. Seb noticed that when she saw him and Mischa, she hesitated mid stride before continuing her march forward.

The two soldiers that flanked her were larger and more heavily armored. They also had cylindrical weapons attached to their right arms and shoulders, with holograms floating above them, indicating their ammo counts. Both warriors kept their arms pointed to the ground and showed no sign of a threat.

When Albee approached, she made a triangular symbol with her hand and bowed briefly. “I am Headmistress Albee of the Fluetra, Archivist and Head Historian of our Order of the Blue Flame. Next to me are Privace Jaden and Privace Mytyr, Guardian Brothers of our order.”

“I am Captain Warhawk,” Seb said, touching his chest before pointing to his allies. “Next to me is Sister Mischa, and behind me is Roja.”

“A Sister?” Albee said, tilting her head. “What sect do you represent?”

“I’m a Sister of Nimora,” Mischa said.

“Ah, how fortuitous. I’ve heard reports of several of our other chapters having received welcome by your Holy Mothers.”

“I’m happy to hear that versus being the target of one of our Songs.”

“Yes, we’ve come to understand that the Sisters of Nimora have quite the reputation. Especially for one that is so new. Are you with the sect as well, captain?”

Seb chuckled and shook his head. “No, not at all. I consider Mischa a good friend and part of my crew.”

Ablee turned her hands up as she glanced around. “Ah, so this isn’t a Nimora station?”

“No. But it is ours.”

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen such architecture. It’s beautiful.”

“You’ve seen pyramids like these?” Seb asked, pointing over his shoulder.

Albee cleared her throat, and ignored the question. “Although, I can’t help but notice that this facility seems rather desolate.”

“You can think of it as a recent acquisition.”

“Interesting. So, if we were to speak with our delegates with the FLS, would they be aware of this station?”

Seb shifted his weight and brought his hand down to the side of his revolver. “I would say if you did something like that, it would put you down a path that would prevent you from getting the answers that brought you here in the first place.”

Ablee let out a snarky laugh as she clasped her hands together. “Well, I certainly don’t want that. After all, I did say we want to foster a relationship of mutual relations and understanding.”

“Headmistress Ablee, you seem like a decent woman, so I hope you don’t mind me being a little blunt. We weren’t expecting you to pick up the signal that you did. We weren’t expecting visitors, but here you are. We’ve invited you inside and granted you this meeting out of common courtesy. Now, if you wouldn’t mind, would you tell us what it is that you want? You said something about needing answers. The more forthcoming and honest you are with me the more I will do the same.”

Ablee brought a curled finger to the front of her helmet as she thought for a moment. When she gazed back up, she asked, “How much do you know of the calist, captain?”

Seb shrugged. “About the same as anyone, I’d guess. You all started pouring from our warp gates a few years back. Things were tense for a while, but whatever deal you worked out with the GRC seemed to ease things up. Most of you seem to stick to your ship as the sentiment shared among me and my comrades is that we haven’t seen many of you. It’s rumored that you all have amnesia. Something about how you got here or wherever you came from has messed with your memory. I’ve also seen some of you in combat using actual magic. Blood magic, to be precise.”

Ablee’s head perked up. “You’ve seen the Crimson Order? And lived?”

Seb and Mischa shared a glance before the captain nodded. “Yeah, although I wouldn’t consider the meeting a friendly one.”

“Please, share what happened.”

“I’ll be honest. I’m hesitant if it’s going to sour our relationship. As I said, it wasn't exactly friendly.”

“If you’re saying that you killed them, then you did the collective a favor.”

“I’m not surprised. If you didn’t know, there are three orders in the Calist Armada: the Order of the Blue Flame, The Order of Shadow, and the Crimson Order. Each of them has their own leadership and representatives. When we arrived in this galaxy, the… tension with the GRC, as you called it, caused a divide among our people. The Crimson Order splintered, with many abandoning the collective in pursuit of conquest. It took months of negotiations and countless concessions to get where we are today.”

“And how does all that play into why you’re here?”

Ablee paced back and forth as she spoke. “What you said was true, but not a complete telling. When we exited the warp, our ships, our minds, and our data were all corrupted. Fractured. Our people don’t remember anything from before when we exited the gate.”

“That must have been awful.”

“It was. As you can imagine, the chaos of the uncertainty spread like wildfire. Not knowing who we were. Our purpose for coming to this galaxy. Even something as simple as what our names were. However, not all our data was corrupted. Over the last few years, we’ve been able to piece some things together. Simple things such as the name of our ships, our positions and duties, our gods… But our past still remains a void.”

“Couldn’t your magic fix the problem?”

“Trust me, we’ve tried. Thousands of volunteers have stepped forward. Hundreds of spells, rituals, and seances performed. However, we’re fairly certain that our magic in this galaxy is weaker than what we’d come to expect. It could also be that we’re doing the spells wrong, as we’re mainly going off of muscle memory and instinct.”

“So, you’re looking into answers of what happened to you, why you’re here, and your purpose?”

“Exactly. Whatever communication blast your station sent triggered some of our technology that has been dormant since we’ve arrived. We’re hoping you can help explain to us why that is. And perhaps you hold a key to unlocking the answers we are seeking. As a headmistress of the Order of the Blue Flame, I am one of the leading members of our chapters. If you help us, I can assure you our entire armada would be in your debt.”

Seb held up his finger. “Give me a second to think.”

As Seb paced back and forth, Eni spoke over their comm. “Seb, can you hear me?”

“Yeah, I hear you loud and clear.”

“I think I might have an idea to help.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Remember the dream theater we used to help you see the visions?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I brought it with me. Perhaps we could do something similar for them.”

“Do you think it will work on them?”

“I dunno. Not sure if there is a calist profile or not, but if not, that’s something I could definitely figure out easier than how to write syntax for this tree power plant. It might just take a bit of time, but I think it’s worth a shot. Besides, Syn has everything she needs from Iris and I for now. I could use the distraction.”

“Sure, I’ll see if she’s up for it.”

“We’ll have to do it on our ship, since she’ll need to take her helmet off.”

“I’ll let her know.”

Seb returned to Ablee and her men. “We think we can help you.”

Ablee glanced at her men and failed to repress her excitement. “That would be most appreciated, captain.”

Seb pointed behind them. “One of my crew members is a wizard with technology.”

“A wizard?” Ablee gasped. “We have several among our Orders…”

“Sorry… just a phrase of her being extremely competent at what she does. She has a device that she’s used on me in the past to pull visions from my mind. With your approval, we’d like to test it out on you and see if we can help you regain your memory. I promise it’s not invasive. You’d just wear a helmet and Eni would activate the program.”

Ablee stepped forward and spoke with conviction. “If what you say is true, I volunteer without question. I’ll do anything to crush this blight on my people.”

Seb nodded. “I’m going to invite my crew up and we’ll all head to our ship. I know you promised your own help, but I have a specific member of our crew that would like to speak with you and ask some questions.”

“That’s the least I could do if you’re able to bring back our memories.”

Seb nodded and spoke into his comm. “All right, Eni, she's willing to try it. Bring up everyone with you and we can all hang out on the ship.”

“Okay, we’ll be up in a bit,” the hacker said.

“I shall stay in the station’s data grove and continue with my queries,” Syn said. “I shall stay in communication with everyone should I be required.”

“Thanks Syn,” Seb said before turning around and waving Roja toward him. The group waited for the others to arrive.

When the rest of the crew stepped from the entrance of the pyramid, a Brother of the Order gasped and pointed. “Headmistress look!”

Seb followed the man’s finger to see he was pointing at Iris. When Ablee saw her, her voice wavered, full of awe, fear, and reverence. “It’s one of the Seraphic…” She and her guards dropped to their knees and pressed their helmets to the ground.

“Is this them?” Iris asked, prancing toward them. “Are these the calist?”

“Yes, my goddess,” Ablee said. “We are your humble servants.”